6 Pests You Should Be Aware Of This Winter

One of the most common pest control myths is that infestations only happen in warmer weather. So, with the weather turning wintery here in Charlotte, it must be time for all the vermin to pack their bags and head south to Florida. Meanwhile, the team here at Noosa will be joining them for a well-deserved rest in the sun. Wouldn’t that be nice?

The truth is that pests can invade your home at any time of year. Although some creatures are seasonal – you won’t find many mosquitoes in the frosts of January – most just don’t go away. In fact, many are drawn to the warmth of our homes when it’s so bitter outside. So, what do you need to look out for?

6 Pests You Might Find in Your Home This Winter

1. Termites

Once upon a time, when winters were reliably cold, and we didn’t all have central heating, termites would rest during winter.  These days, they’re likely to remain active, just at a slightly slower pace. That means that if you see any cracks in the veneer of your walls, floors or furnishings, you need to seek help NOW. Don’t leave it until spring, thinking the little munchers are enjoying a winter slumber. Because, if you do, by that point the damage could be irredeemable.

2. Rodents

You know how you don’t like being out in all that cold, wet weather? Well, neither do rats and mice. And your house looks appealing. If you hear scratching in the attic or crawlspace, notice damage around screening or vents, or see any spoor, then you have a rodent problem. And you’re going to want to fix it before your home starts smelling of rat pee.

3. Wildlife

A whole host of wildlife would like to call your home its own this winter. Possums, raccoons, squirrels, flying squirrels, bats – they can all break in. And they can all cause problems. Swift wildlife removal and prevention is essential, if only to avoid having huge piles of excrement filling up your attic.

4. Stink bugs

Pentatomidae will creep into any small crevices to find shelter from the winter weather. And your home has plenty of small crevices, especially around the doors and windows. They’re commonly known as stink bugs because they release a foul smell to deter predators. Think of them as the skunks of the insect world.

5. Ants

Although they’re more common in summer, ants can invade your home all year round. At this time of year, when there is plenty of food around – and left out on display for parties – they are more than happy to help themselves, contaminating everything they touch.

6. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are ever-present. They don’t have seasons. They don’t hibernate. They’re just there; uninvited, spreading disease; and defecating. They’re not pleasant creatures. You don’t want them in your home at any time of year.
Us humans are really good at making comfortable, warm, weather-proof homes. One of the problems with that is that it means that many other creatures like to share them. And they don’t all make good housemates!

If you think that you have uninvited guests this Christmas, give the Noosa Pest Management team a call. We’ll make your home your own again in no time: 704-499-9922